IELTS Writing Task 1 — Describe Charts Like a Band 8 Candidate

Task 1 is 33% of your Writing score and the most predictable section. Once you master the structure, you can produce a Band 7+ answer in 20 minutes for any chart, graph or process. Here's the formula.

1. 1Introduction (1 sentence) — Paraphrase the question. Don't copy it.
2. 2Overview (2 sentences) — Describe the BIG picture. Highest, lowest, biggest change.
3. 3Body 1 (3–4 sentences) — Detail one group of data.
4. 4Body 2 (3–4 sentences) — Detail the second group of data.

• "The bar chart illustrates…"
• "The line graph compares…"
• "The pie chart presents the proportion of…"
• "The diagram outlines the process of…"
• "The map shows the changes in…"

Upward trends

• Increased / rose / climbed / surged / soared
• A gradual rise / a sharp increase / a steady growth

Downward trends

• Decreased / fell / dropped / plunged / declined
• A gradual decline / a sharp fall / a steady decrease

Stability

• Remained stable / plateaued / leveled off
• Showed little change / fluctuated around

Aim for 160–180 words. Under 150 is automatic penalty; over 200 wastes time you need for Task 2 (which is worth twice as much). Count your average words per line in practice — that's your guide on test day.